Introduction: What's Inside? #5: 1250W LG Microwave? +Magnetron! (Salvaging Electronic Components)

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About: I've been making Instructables since I was 13. Now, I mostly make videos of my projects, however I'm still active here, so don't hesitate to reach out! Sick with a deadly disease called DIY-itis!

This is a microwave that I found on the street near my house.

Lets take it apart!!!

WARNING: Taking apart electronic devices is VERY DANGEROUS and especially a microwave!

Please remember that I am a trained professional idiot at taking apart electronic devices, DO NOT take apart any kind of electronic device If you don't know what you are doing!

There is a High Voltage Capacitor that MUST be short circuited with a metal tool (preferably a screwdriver) that has an insulated handle.

The insulators inside of the magnetron are made of beryllium, DO NOT risk the chance of getting sick with Berylliosis (beryllium disease) because you scratched the insulation!

Step 1: The Tools I Used

Philips Screwdriver

Flat Screwdriver

Wire Cutter

Needle-Nose Pliers

I could have used more tools to make it easier, But it wasn't necessary.

Step 2: Open It Up

After removing the screws of the outer case and opening it, This is where most of the "good stuff" is.

Step 3: The Monster High Voltage Transformer

You've probably heard that microwaves have huge high voltage transformers

This transformer weighs more than 4 kilograms (More than 9 Pounds)!!!

This is the second microwave I've ever taken apart. A couple years ago I took apart a microwave that had a humongous transformer, But I threw it away because I didn't know what to do with it... The transformer was probably about 3-4 times bigger than this one.

Did you know you can buy these transformers on eBay?

Step 4: The Circuit Boards

I've written notes on some of the components that could be good for salvaging from the circuit boards

Step 5: Plates

I like to use microwave plates while soldering because they don't conduct electricity, And don't break like regular glass because of the heat, So it's nice to have another one.

I also managed to remove the glass panel and the metal anti-radiation shield (is there a name for this?).

I also managed to pull off the handle of the microwave which could be useful for a future project!

Step 6: 220V Plate Motor

This is a 3 watt motor the makes the glass plate spin, It spins at 5/6 RPM.

The third picture shows the 220V fan, I'm pretty sure it's use is to help the let the humidity escape from the microwave, This can definitely be used for another project

Step 7: 3 Momentary Switches

These are high quality 16A 250V Max. momentary switches, I have tons of these but they are always useful

I also managed to salvage a huge high voltage diode!

Step 8: Connectors and Wires

I always keep any random connectors that can be useful for a future project because of Murphy's law...

Step 9: Incandescent Lightbulb and Thermosat

Don't ask me why, I have a tungsten collection that I keep in a small box from the filament inside of incandescent lightbulbs that I smash

The second picture shows the thermostat, I also have a collection of these but I don't think I'll ever use any of them

It's also nice to have a couple more screws for my big box of random screws.

Step 10: The Capacitor

This is a huge film capacitor and it rated at 2100V Max. And 1.05mf +/- 3%.

I guess it looks nice for my collection...

Step 11: The MAGNETRON

Cute little magnetron, I don't know if there's anything special about it because it's the first magnetron I've ever seen.

Yes, I've already written about the dangers of taking it a part


Why do I still want to take this dangerous piece of metal apart?

1. The more dangerous it is, The funner. NO well... ummm... maybe?

2. There are supposed to be ultra strong ceramic magnets inside, It should be worth it!

Step 12: Pry the Metal "Shield" Off

Be careful again while prying it off not to scratch the beryllium insulation!

This took about 15 minutes with the help of my dad, because it was my first time and I didn't know how to do it.

I also saved the "shield" and a small part of the magnetron heat-sink because I like keeping these things.

Step 13: Yep... the Magnets

I researched a lot before taking apart this microwave because I knew there was something dangerous inside of the microwave, That's how I learned about the beryllium insulators, And about the magnets.

After seeing so many articles and YouTube videos about how strong the magnets are, I knew I had to try this myself.

I guess I can say I expected them to be stronger** but they are still incredibly strong!

**I got confused by a "Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet" and a "Ceramic Magnet"

Step 14: All That Was Salvaged From the Microwave

I've written notes in most of the special components in the picture

Step 15: Thank You for Watching!!!

Thank You for watching and I hope you enjoyed this "What's Inside" Instructable!

Don't forget to subscribe to catch more "What's Inside's and other projects." I've found about a dozen more awesome electronic devices that I'm eager to share with everyone, Including another huge microwave!!!

If you've found that I've made a mistake, Please point it out so I can fix it!

Do you like taking apart electronic devices? I've made a collection of a couple"What's Insides" If you're interested: https://www.instructables.com/id/Whats-Inside-Takin...